Presented by
DR. SANJAY MUNJAL (L11030207)
ISHACON 2026, AHMEDABAD
Respected dignitaries, senior members of our profession, esteemed colleagues, students, and friends,
The Indian Speech-Language and Hearing Association stands at a defining moment in its journey. For over five decades, ISHA has shaped the academic foundations, clinical standards, and professional identity of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in India. As I assume the office of President, I do so with deep respect for this legacy and a clear recognition that the decisions we make today will shape the strength, credibility, and autonomy of our profession for decades to come.
ISHACON 2026, hosted in Ahmedabad—a city synonymous with reform and principled leadership—provides a fitting platform not only for reflection, but for decisive action. This conference must go beyond celebrating academic excellence; it must reinforce our collective resolve to address long-standing structural, regulatory, and professional challenges.
ISHA's mandate is unequivocal: to uphold professional excellence, enforce ethical practice, safeguard professional interests, and advocate for individuals with speech, language, hearing, swallowing, and balance disorders. These goals are inseparable. Without enforceable standards, public trust weakens. Without ethical accountability, professional autonomy erodes. Without organized advocacy, our role within the healthcare system risks dilution.
Professional excellence demands more than aspirational guidelines—it requires enforceable standards. ISHA strongly supports uniform clinical nomenclature, standardized documentation, and nationally aligned benchmarks across academic and clinical settings. The time has come to move decisively toward structured accreditation of clinical practice, including private clinics. ISHA will actively advocate for RCI- and ISHA-aligned accreditation mechanisms to ensure that services are delivered only by appropriately qualified professionals. Such a framework will protect the public, strengthen accountability, and enhance the global credibility of Indian professionals.
Ethical practice is non-negotiable. The growing incidence of malpractice, misrepresentation of qualifications, unethical advertising, and misuse of professional titles threatens both public safety and professional integrity. ISHA will adopt a firm, proactive stance by strengthening ethical frameworks, collaborating with regulatory bodies such as the RCI, and working closely with state chapters to ensure vigilance and accountability.
At the same time, we must address the realities faced by our members—issues of recognition, recruitment norms, pay parity, career progression, and professional autonomy. Among the most consequential matters before us is the discussion around inclusion under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions. This is not a procedural decision, but a strategic one with far-reaching implications. ISHA is committed to ensuring that any decision is based on informed deliberation, broad professional consensus, and a clear assessment of long-term impact.
Institutional visibility and academic leadership remain critical gaps. The absence of independent Speech and Hearing departments in AIIMS and other Institutes of National Importance must be addressed. ISHA strongly advocates for the establishment of independent departments to ensure rightful representation within the national healthcare framework.
Another urgent concern is the unchecked sale of online and over-the-counter hearing aids without professional evaluation or follow-up. While technology can enhance access, it cannot replace comprehensive audiological assessment, professional judgment, and rehabilitative care. ISHA will continue to advocate for strict regulatory action to protect patient safety and professional accountability.
To further strengthen ethical practice, ISHA will work toward introducing the ISHA Quality Mark—a symbol of excellence, integrity, and standards-compliant care. This will empower ethical practitioners and help the public identify trustworthy clinics.
As artificial intelligence and digital health rapidly integrate into healthcare, ISHA's position is clear: technology must support—not replace—professional judgment. No algorithm can substitute empathy, and no software can replace reassurance. We will promote ethical, evidence-based use of technology while safeguarding the human elements that define our profession.
Awareness and early intervention remain central to equitable care. Through sustained advocacy, responsible digital engagement, and cross-sector partnerships, ISHA will continue working to expand access, reduce delays, and improve outcomes nationwide.
India has produced exceptionally skilled speech and hearing professionals who are making a remarkable impact on the global stage. Our presence on the global stage is undeniable. To all our colleagues working internationally, we celebrate your success and achievements.
Today, I make a heartfelt appeal: Come back—not necessarily in geography, but in spirit. Give back through mentorship, training programs, guest lectures, collaborative research, and skill-building initiatives. Your experience can shape the future of our young professionals and strengthen our parent body. A profession grows stronger when knowledge flows across generations and borders.
Looking ahead, I envision the creation of an ISHA Online Digital Library—a centralized, living repository of curated, evidence-based resources for students, educators, clinicians, and researchers. This platform will bridge the gap between education and practice, promote lifelong learning, and reduce knowledge disparities.
To make ISHA truly future-ready, we must nurture its spirit from within—through active participation, shared leadership, and unwavering commitment to our values. When members uphold the association with integrity, ISHA, in turn, stands firmly behind its members, offering recognition, mentorship, collaboration, and meaningful professional support.
ISHACON 2026 must reaffirm our collective commitment to higher standards, ethical clarity, professional unity, and decisive advocacy. With shared purpose and disciplined action, ISHA will continue to evolve as a strong, credible, and influential national association.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the organizing committee for their dedication in making ISHACON 2026 a platform for meaningful academic exchange and professional dialogue.
As I conclude, I do so with gratitude and faith in our collective strength. Serving as President of ISHA is both an honour and a responsibility—one I accept with humility and resolve. Let us move forward with unity, courage, and compassion, building an ISHA that not only meets the challenges of tomorrow, but shapes them.
Jai Hind!!